Michael J. Bobbitt – One of the hosts of the Helen Hayes Awards 2018
In a lavish ceremony held at DC’s newest Arts venue, The Anthem, the Helen Hayes Awards were handed out last evening to the best and brightest in Washington-area theater. Performers and creatives alike were on hand to accept the prestigious award administered by theatreWashington. And while surprise storms may have put a bit of a damper on the evening, the excited crowd didn’t let that ruin their fun. Hosts – Alyssa Wilmoth Keegan & Michael J. Bobbitt – kept the evening light and breezy, entertaining the audience with witty banter throughout the ceremony. Presenters hailed from the DC theater scene as well and were obviously enjoying the chance to celebrate their colleagues and friends.
Any community that celebrates these tenets should be given exhilarating celebrations like the Helen Hayes Awards – they most certainly deserve it!
In the special awards category, Nancy Robinette was honored for her over 40 years of contributions to theater in the DMV, while the John Aniello award was presented to the Monumental Theatre Company for emerging theaters. Another highlight was a performance by Natasha Diaz – a two-time Helen Hayes award winner – beautifully accompanied the In Memoriam segment of those the DC Arts community has lost in the past year.
By the end of the evening, theatreWashington had given out almost 50 awards to dozens of talented actors and artists, to the delight of the over 1800 people in attendance. There’s a reason this award show is considered a jewel in the crown of the DC theatre scene and after witnessing the excitement first hand, I can definitely see why. The Helen Hayes Awards seem to honor much more than just the work. They provide an opportunity for the audiences that have seen the work over the past year, to show their love and affection to the people that have created these pieces of theatre. The diversity, compassion and love in these crowds is overwhelmingly beautiful, and this is reflected in the shows being produced and honored. Any community that celebrates these tenets should be given exhilarating celebrations like the Helen Hayes Awards – they most certainly deserve it!
WATCH video.
The 2018 Helen Hayes Award Recipients:
Outstanding Choreography in a Musical:
(Hayes) Parker Esse The Pajama Game Arena Stage
(Hayes) Denis Jones Crazy for You Signature Theatre
(Helen) Luis Salgado In the Heights GALA Hispanic Theatre
Outstanding Choreography in a Play:
(Hayes) Robb Hunter HIR Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
(Helen) Kelly Maxner, Mollye Maxner Still Life with Rocket Theater Alliance
Outstanding Musical Direction:
(Hayes) Jon Kalbfleisch Caroline, Or Change Round House Theatre
(Helen) Walter “Bobby” McCoy In the Heights GALA Hispanic Theatre
Outstanding Costume Design:
(Hayes) Kendra Rai Or, Round House Theatre
(Helen) Robert Croghan In the Heights GALA Hispanic Theatre
Outstanding Lighting Design:
(Hayes) Jason Lyons (Lighting Designer), Zachary G. Borovay (Projection Designer) Jesus Christ Superstar Signature Theatre
(Helen) Christopher Annas-Lee In the Heights GALA Hispanic Theatre
Outstanding Set Design:
(Hayes) Lee Savage Twelfth Night Shakespeare Theatre Company
(Helen) Debra Kim Sivigny Forgotten Kingdoms Rorschach Theatre
Outstanding Sound Design:
(Hayes) Palmer Hefferan Baby Screams Miracle Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
(Helen) Matthew M. Nielson Mnemonic Theater Alliance
Outstanding Direction in a Musical:
(Hayes) Kathryn Chase Bryer Wonderland: Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure Imagination Stage
(Helen) Luis Salgado In the Heights GALA Hispanic Theatre
Outstanding Direction in a Play:
(Hayes) Ethan McSweeny Twelfth Night Shakespeare Theatre Company
(Helen) Rick Hammerly Lela & Co Factory 449
Outstanding Ensemble in a Musical:
(Hayes) Ragtime Ford’s Theatre
(Helen) In the Heights GALA Hispanic Theatre
Outstanding Ensemble in a Play:
(Hayes) Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Ford’s Theatre
(Helen) Peter and the Starcatcher Constellation Theatre Company
Outstanding Performer – Visiting Production:
Alessandra Baldacchino Fun Home The National Theatre
Abby Corrigan Fun Home The National Theatre
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical:
(Hayes) Will Gartshore A Little Night Music Signature Theatre
(Helen) Félix Marchany In the Heights GALA Hispanic Theatre
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical:
(Hayes) Tracy Lynn Olivera A Little Night Music Signature Theatre
(Helen) Kari Ginsburg The Wild Party Constellation Theatre Company
James MacArthur Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Play
(Hayes) Jim Lichtscheidl Twelfth Night Shakespeare Theatre Company
(Helen) Jose Guzman Jesus Hopped The ‘A’ Train 1st Stage
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Play:
(Hayes) Erin Weaver Or, Round House Theatre
(Helen) Susan Rome Brighton Beach Memoirs Theater J
Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical:
(Hayes) Kevin McAllister Ragtime Ford’s Theatre
(Hayes) Blakely Slaybaugh The Pajama Game Arena Stage
(Helen) Michael Innocenti Parade The Keegan Theatre
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical:
(Hayes) Rayanne Gonzales In the Heights Olney Theatre Center & Round House Theatre
(Helen) Laura Lebrón In the Heights GALA Hispanic Theatre
Robert Prosky Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Play:
(Hayes) Ted van Griethuysen The Father Studio Theatre
(Helen) Frank Britton Jesus Hopped The ‘A’ Train 1st Stage
Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play:
(Hayes) Lizan Mitchell A Raisin in the Sun Arena Stage
(Helen) Felicia Curry Lela & Co Factory 449
Outstanding Original Play or Musical Adaptation:
Karen Zacarías (Book), Deborah Wicks La Puma (Music) Ella Enchanted Adventure Theatre MTC
Charles MacArthur Award for Outstanding Original New Play or Musical:
Tearrance Arvelle Chisholm Hooded, Or Being Black for Dummies Mosaic Theater Company of DC
Outstanding Production – Theatre for Young Audiences:
Wonderland: Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure Imagination Stage
Outstanding Visiting Production:
Mean Girls The National Theatre
Outstanding Production in a Musical:
(Hayes) In the Heights Olney Theatre Center & Round House Theatre
(Helen) In the Heights GALA Hispanic Theatre
Outstanding Production in a Play:
(Hayes) Twelfth Night Shakespeare Theatre Company
(Helen) Still Life with Rocket Theater Alliance
Helen Hayes Tribute:
Nancy Robinette
John Aniello Award for Outstanding Emerging Theatre Company:
Monumental Theatre Company
